title: Effects of branched-chain fatty acids on GABA-degradation and behavior: further evidence for a role of GABA in quasi-morphine abstinence behavior.
abstract: An increase in GABA-ergic activity has been implicated in the initiation of quasi-morphine abstinence behavior by di-n-propylacetate (DPA). Two structural analogues of DPA, namely, the branched-chain-fatty acid 2-methyl, 2-ethylcaproic acid and 2,2-dimethylvaleric acid have now been used to study this relationship between behavioral and biochemical effects. A correlation appeared to exist between the K1 of these compounds for succinic semi-aldehyde dehydrogenase, the second enzyme in the degradation of GABA, and the doses exerting a maximum effect on behavior. On the other hand concurrent inhibition of GABA-transaminase seemed to suppress the behavioral effects of the fatty acids. This apparent paradox can possibly be explained by supposing a different action of the fatty acids in distinct compartments of the brain, suggesting an important role for increased GABA-ergic activity in the neuronal compartment in the initiation of the quasi-morphine abstinence behavior.
mesh_terms: D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D001923:Brain Chemistry / Q000187:drug effects; D002208:Caproates / Q000494:pharmacology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009021:Morphine Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy; D010421:Pentanoic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D002208:Caproates; D005227:Fatty Acids; D010421:Pentanoic Acids; C028089:2-methyl-2-ethylcaproic acid; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D014635:Valproic Acid; C028088:2,2-dimethylvaleric acid; D000612:4-Aminobutyrate Transaminase; C009338:succinic semialdehyde